Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini has labelled Manchester United striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic a ‘formidable’ striker and put him up with some of the best in the game.
The former Sweden international is regarded as one of Europe’s deadliest forwards and that is despite him turning 35 late last year.
Ibrahimovic has had his doubters wherever he has usually gone – particularly the Premier League – but has always managed to prove them wrong.
That was evident this season after he netted 28 goals across all competitions for Manchester United in his opening season in England, before an ACL injury cruelly ended his campaign recently.
Chiellini has played both with and against Ibrahimovic, and has nothing but words of praise for the ex-Inter Milan and AC Milan striker.
“I like coming up against great strikers, I’ve always liked to face the best,” Chiellini told France Football. “An example would be Zlatan Ibrahimovic, the most formidable striker I’ve ever seen. I often played against him in Serie A, and Ibra was the top.
“He’s always made the difference wherever he’s gone.”
Chiellini’s comments will certainly be taken to kindly by Ibrahimovic, with the Italian stalwart having taken on a number of the world’s best players.
Mino Raiola, Ibrahimovic’s agent, confirmed on Tuesday that his client had undergone successful surgery on his knee and also clarified that the striker had not suffered a career-ending injury.
Reports suggest that Ibrahimovic is unlikely to extend his stay at Old Trafford for another season, with a move to the MLS firmly an option.
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